Do I really need a defensive shotgun? Convince me....

**mbogo** · 11-08-13, 17:12

A load of #2 or BB will shred a 2x4 post. I have no doubt that it will penetrate sufficiently on an intruder at 'hallway' distances (3 to 7yds.) to terminate the encounter. What I don't want is the pellets that miss to continue two or three rooms away, where loved ones may be hiding.

mbogo

**ryr8828** · 11-08-13, 19:03

http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/bot3.htm

**bzdog** · 11-08-13, 19:39

Only reason I keep my shotgun is gun ban insurance.

-john

**Canonshooter** · 11-08-13, 21:05

Originally Posted by Ejh28

I have a shotgun dedicated to hunting already, and I would really like to add a defensive oriented shotgun to my kit for future training/use, but I can't justify the cost/value in my own head... This is the Shotgun forum, convince me.

So did/do I, a shiny blued steel/wood furniture Remington 1187 Premium I bought about 20 years ago. After having some fun for the first few years busting clay pigeons, I put it away in the back of the safe where it was mostly forgotten about.

Recently I invested some $$ in modifying it for HD purposes, and I have to admit that it has been transformed into something much more interesting (see link in my signature). What is your hunting shotgun?

**sxshep** · 11-08-13, 21:19

I'm in the same place... Have a KAC SR-15 properly setup for defensive use, and a few handguns. My Mossberg 590A1 sits in the corner behind the bedroom door. It's fun to shoot and nice to have I guess, but I'm selling it next week to fund a new project (.22 bolt gun). I have an O/U 12ga for hunting and clay shooting, the "defensive" shotguns always seem to just get dust on them.

I do like the versatility of a shotgun and having a well rounded defensive collection... But I prefer handguns and my carbine for defensive work.

**foxtrotx1** · 11-09-13, 02:11

You are mistaken. Number 1 buck is the minimum suggested round for putting down people. If your trusting your sheet rock walls to save your family from shot, your strategy is already messed up.

**NWPilgrim** · 11-09-13, 02:39

No need to get a defense shotgun if you already have a good carbine. Nothing says you can't get buckshot or slugs for your hunting shotgun. If you need close in weapon to where bbl length is a concern, then use the carbine or pistol. Otherwise your 28" bbl with buckshot or slugs is fine for front or back yard encounters or defending behind a safe room door.

I would rather make sure my carbine and pistol have enough mags and ammo and good sights or optics and a redundant second before adding a defense specific shotgun.

I think the shotgun makes sense if you need a first defensive long gun on a budget. Hard to beat the value if a $300 Mossberg 500 or Rem 870. But that is superseded by a good carbine.